Do any of you guys use Vibram 5 Fingers? I have been reading a lot about barefoot running and I actually gave it a shot this week. I had a lot less ankle pain than I usually experience; however, I am not sure I really want to run totally barefoot all the time. The Vibrams seem like a cool solution, although I know there are some more traditionally looking alternatives out there. Any experiences?

I see a few people wearing them at Crossfit, most like them for lifting. As for running, I have been using the Nike Frees for the last couple of months. I don't go out and run 10 miles at a time in them but for sprinting and shorter runs, I really like them. They are extremely light and just enough cushion.

I got the KSO model for barefoot weightlifting at a tip from my old gym owner. Then I had to move to a new gym where I was kicked out for wearing them because they "wouldn't protect my feet from dropped weights." Before I left I asked the manager if his running shoes were rated by ANSI as foot protection and was told that I probably wouldn't be welcome at that gym.

I went back the next day with a new pair of chucks and had to apologize to get in. Only gym close enough to get to by bike

I got the KSO model for barefoot weightlifting at a tip from my old gym owner. Then I had to move to a new gym where I was kicked out for wearing them because they "wouldn't protect my feet from dropped weights." Before I left I asked the manager if his running shoes were rated by ANSI as foot protection and was told that I probably wouldn't be welcome at that gym.

I went back the next day with a new pair of chucks and had to apologize to get in. Only gym close enough to get to by bike

Hahahaha...he must've confused the toe shells of the chucks with steel toe plates.

I got the KSO model for barefoot weightlifting at a tip from my old gym owner. Then I had to move to a new gym where I was kicked out for wearing them because they "wouldn't protect my feet from dropped weights." Before I left I asked the manager if his running shoes were rated by ANSI as foot protection and was told that I probably wouldn't be welcome at that gym.

I went back the next day with a new pair of chucks and had to apologize to get in. Only gym close enough to get to by bike

I run and play in VFFs. I love them. They will change your running style. I don't know about that POSE shit. I do what came naturally - mostly run on my toes. Feels great, can go way further. Think about the line between your skull and heel when you run on your heels. On strike, it's a straight line. The shock goes right through your body and stresses everything. When you run on your toes, you're like a spring and you distribute the shock. I've looked at alternatives and I see nothing that seems to be on the same level. Either they have too much padding and eliminate all advantages (Nike Frees), or the soles are too thin and will wear through. http://www.barefootrunner.com/category/reviews/ You absolutely must try them on before buying though, as they size large. Like damn large (size and a half for me).

I left out the part of that anecdote of a trainer that first approached me before I spoke to the manager. The trainer actually suggested that I wear steel toe boots while lifting - which I said I would go get from my office nearby - before the manager interrupted and the spiel that I described before took place.

I don't do anything with my VFFs now except show them to friends when I'm feeling goofy. Waste of 80 bucks? Maybe. They're still neat and I throw them on to walk to the supermarket.

I got the KSO model for barefoot weightlifting at a tip from my old gym owner. Then I had to move to a new gym where I was kicked out for wearing them because they "wouldn't protect my feet from dropped weights." Before I left I asked the manager if his running shoes were rated by ANSI as foot protection and was told that I probably wouldn't be welcome at that gym.

I went back the next day with a new pair of chucks and had to apologize to get in. Only gym close enough to get to by bike

That's horseshit.

I have a pair of KSO's and Sprints, and they're the only shoes that I wear to the gym. They're like God's gift to compound lifts. I get all sorts of dodgy looks for them, but luckily I'm already in a relationship.